For many years now I have become someone to encourages you to hit the gym, not necessarily to lose weight, although that is a reason to go, but for a healthier state of mind. Growing up I was always on the pudgier side, not that there is anything wrong with that, its just that it can cause one to not move as quickly as one would like.

I didn’t have all of the encouragement growing up to be active although I tried I was terrible at sports, remembering one day as a youth playing baseball left me scarred over how the coach spoke to me. Growing older I had no one to introduce me to the gym like I have done for my young daughter who goes to the kids gym while her dear ole dad works out.

The gym is a perfect place to let off some steam and also take a steam in the sauna, which is why I love going. At first one may think well how hard is it to go, there’s everything you need to get healthy, but not so fast, there is a lot there and its important to know just want each piece of equipment does.

If you are just starting out, I recommend start slow, you have lots of time to get to know each piece of equipment and some look pretty intimidating at first. First things first if you want to start to hit the gym, here are some tips I abide by to get started.

1. Set a Goal

Set a goal of why you want to go to the gym, we all have them, is it because you put on a few extra pounds you want to lose. Could it be you want to be this mass of muscle like you see on the tele or in magazines, it could be for mental health, the list goes on.

2. Choose a Gym

You may say choose a gym, are they pretty much all the same, Yes and No. Gyms have personalities in a way of what you want to there. Are you looking for a quick workout on the treadmill or other cardio, then maybe you don’t need all the weight lifting equipment. May you want to swim or go to the sauna, or do it all. It all depends on what you want to do at the gym.

My preference is a gym that has everything from weights to cardio equipment, swimming and sauna so you have a chance to try everything and see what you like.

3. Have a Partner

Having someone with you motivates you all the more to push yourself to your goals, but sometimes not everyone has someone to bring along. I tend to bring my family wife and daughter and we go as a family, although we do separate things we are there together working towards healthier goals.

If you do go alone that’s ok  too and some people prefer to and take your time and not feel rushed by having to be someone else’s time. I might add with a partner especially with weight training is helpful for someone to spot you and be there to prevent injury.

4. Create a Schedule and Stick to It

Having someone with you motivates you all the more to push yourself to your goals, but sometimes not everyone has someone to bring along. I tend to bring my family wife and daughter and we go as a family, although we do separate things we are there together working towards healthier goals.

If you do go alone that’s ok  too and some people prefer to and take your time and not feel rushed by having to be someone else’s time. I might add with a partner especially with weight training is helpful for someone to spot you and be there to prevent injury.

5. Get Supplemented

Along with your new healthier lifestyle get supplements such as vitamins to assist you. You will hear the vitamins can be a waste of money, but that is far from the truth, its about put good things in your body. I personally take a multi-vitamin, fish oil for my joints, protein for muscle retention, which are my basics, but there is so much more out there.

6. Eat Healthier

It goes without saying but eating cleaner like Chicken, Veggies, fruits and grains does wonders for your body. I am someone who believe its ok to still eat your favorites like Pizza, Donuts, pies and whatever your heart desires but eat it on a what’s called your cheat day, which is exactly what it sounds like a day you can eat what you choose without counting those calories.

7. Get a Trainer

A trainer is not required to get healthier, but they are a great resource to show you how to use certain equipment, eat better, what to do when you not at the gym, keeping you accountable and on track. Trainers vary in price and some can cost a pretty penny so do your research on the best trainer for you and your budget.

8. Be Patient

That’s right results can take time, so be patient with yourself if you are trying to reach a specific goal. If you never gone to a gym, your body will adjust to new movements and you will feel the soreness which is normal and good sigh. Remember don’t push to hard at first, work your way up to progress to avoid injury.

9. The Alterative

Gyms may not be for everyone, sometimes you want to hit the trail, go to the track and run laps, go to the park, all great choices. I make it habit to hit the Park for my morning walks and the gym for tougher workouts, it all counts. The choice is yours to do and go at the pace you want its all in the name of getting healthier and stronger and believe me you will see results.

These tips have personally helped me stay on track to living a healthier lifestyle, I go for both my physical and mental health because I have bouts of depression and anxiety.

I always would say consult a doctor if you are not sure how much exercise your body can take, we are all made differently and what our bodies can take so don’t attempt to hit the gym, the trail without making sure you are physically able. There are may different options again to take your steps to healthiness slow.